I still get the round robin of emails from some of the parliamentary Conservative candidates I worked with during last year’s general election, it’s always good to hear their news.

One came today from the ebullient Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hemstead, who worked his socks off during the campaign and used all his valuable contacts and media experience to swing a victory, attracting an impressive 65% turnout.

The savvy MP has a majority of 498 to not only protect, but hopefully increase significantly. That’s why it’s important to communicate closely with constituents from day one, not to take your privileged position for granted, but remember who put you there and how one day soon you will be relying on their support again.

And believe me, constituents have a very long memory.

Mike has an excellent webpage which is heaving with info on what he is doing for his people, they are kept fully informed about local campaigns, as well as his Westminster role.

It could be Mike’s varied background that makes him connect so well. After leaving school he served in the Grenadier Guards, then worked as a fireman before going to university and later working as a political journalist and media consultant.

He was chief advisor to William Hague (a favourite with my teenage sons, mysteriously) and a leading supporter of the “Keep The Pound” campaign. In fact, I seem to recall him paying his £500 deposit in £1 coins. He also spent time as the Cons Party’s deputy head of media under the leadership of IDS.

As well as being fun, he is passionate about politics and being a grassroots MP. Will he be savvy enough to join blogsphere? Let’s wait and see.